Croque Madame Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings all the elegance and comfort of classic French cuisine straight to your table, then you’re in for a treat with this Croque Madame casserole. This dish transforms the beloved Croque Madame sandwich into a luscious, cheesy bake layered with buttery brioche bread, tender turkey ham, and a luxurious béchamel sauce, all crowned with perfectly baked eggs. The combination of creamy, savory, and just a touch of spice from the Dijon mustard and nutmeg makes this a memorable meal that’s both hearty and charming.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Croque Madame. Each component plays a key role, from the softness of the brioche to the creamy béchamel that ties everything together. The cheese mix brings that delightful melt and flavor contrast, while the eggs on top add a perfect richness that finishes this dish beautifully.

• Brioche bread, cubed: A rich, buttery bread that soaks up the sauce without falling apart.
• Turkey ham, chopped: Adds tender, smoky savoriness without overpowering the dish.
• Gruyère cheese, shredded: Melts superbly with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that is iconic in Croque Madame.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Offers that gooey stretch and creamy texture that balances Gruyère.
• Unsalted butter: The base of your béchamel sauce for a smooth texture and rich taste.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the béchamel into a perfect creamy consistency.
• Whole milk: Brings the velvety body to the béchamel without heaviness.
• Dijon mustard: A subtle kick that adds complexity to the béchamel.
• Nutmeg: Provides warmth and just a whisper of spice.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce and eggs precisely.
• Eggs: The crowning glory of the Croque Madame, baked until the whites set and yolks stay invitingly runny.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, vibrant garnish that lifts the flavors and presentation.

How to Make Croque Madame

Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Ham Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking. Spread the cubed brioche evenly in the dish as the cozy base of your casserole. Next, scatter the chopped turkey ham evenly over the bread, ensuring that every bite has that lovely savory hint. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses on top, setting up a melty, golden crust that promises pure delight.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

This is where magic happens. Melt the butter gently in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour immediately to form a smooth roux. Cook this mix for a couple of minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk to avoid lumps and create that silky béchamel sauce. Stir in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper—these little touches bring a depth that makes the Croque Madame truly irresistible. Cook until the sauce thickens gloriously, then pour it evenly over the bread, ham, and cheese.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and gently create small wells in the casserole surface for the eggs. Crack an egg into each well and season them with salt and pepper. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the whites are set but the yolks still glisten with runny goodness. This step is key to the classic Croque Madame feel—rich, indulgent, and utterly satisfying.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes to settle. Sprinkle on fresh parsley for a burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy layers beneath. Serve warm to enjoy the full, comforting glory of this Croque Madame casserole.

How to Serve Croque Madame

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice—a sprinkle of chopped green lifts the entire dish visually and adds a subtle herbal note. For an extra touch of indulgence, you could add a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or even a few cracks of black pepper to intensify the flavors on top of your Croque Madame.

Side Dishes

This rich casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while roasted seasonal vegetables add texture and an earthy undertone. If you want to keep things traditional and French, a small bowl of mixed greens dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil is a perfect complement.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests or switch things up, try serving individual Croque Madame portions in ramekins for an elegant touch, or layer the casserole mix into bread pudding style with added eggs and cream for an ultra-soft texture. Open-faced toasted brioche topped with the béchamel and baked eggs is another quick but impressive variation that lets you enjoy all the flavors with less fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Croque Madame casserole is just as delicious the next day! Pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days to keep flavors fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, baking in the oven helps preserve the crispy edges and delicate egg texture better than microwaving.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well before the eggs are added. Simply assemble the casserole base with bread, ham, cheese, and béchamel, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, and freeze for up to two months. When it’s time to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, cracking and baking the eggs towards the end for perfectly cooked yolks.

Reheating

To reheat, set your oven at 350°F and warm the casserole for about 10 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave will work if you heat in short bursts of 30 seconds to keep the eggs from overcooking or turning rubbery. Be patient and treat it gently—the rich textures deserve it.

FAQs

What makes a Croque Madame different from a Croque Monsieur?

The key difference is the fried or baked egg on top of a Croque Madame. While Croque Monsieur is a cheesy ham and bread sandwich, adding the egg gives the Madame its signature richness and a beautiful runny yolk that feels extra special.

Can I use other types of bread for this casserole?

Absolutely! Brioche is the classic choice for its rich texture, but challah, French bread, or even thick-cut white bread works well. Just try to choose something sturdy enough to hold the sauce without turning mushy.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the turkey ham for sautéed mushrooms, grilled vegetables, or even smoked tofu to maintain the savory element without meat. The cheese and béchamel will still provide plenty of flavor and creaminess.

Can I prepare the béchamel sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The béchamel can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Just warm it gently before pouring it over the casserole to ensure it remains silky and easy to spread.

How do I achieve the perfect baked egg on top?

Keep an eye on the eggs while baking after cracking them on top. The whites should be fully set while the yolks stay soft and slightly runny. Checking around the 8 to 10-minute mark usually delivers the ideal texture.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the recipe and all the tips, I truly hope you’ll give this Croque Madame casserole a try. It’s the perfect dish to warm up chilly days or impress brunch guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Once you taste that creamy béchamel combined with the melted Gruyère, cozy bread, and rich egg yolk, you’ll understand why the Croque Madame holds such a cherished spot in French comfort food. Bon appétit!

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